Did Jon Stewart suggest that Keith Olbermann is "Herman Munster"?

In a pleasant conversation with MSNBC and Air America Radio's own Rachel Maddow, Jon Stewart used television show 'The Munsters' to describe the NBC Roster. Maddow was kindly referred to as 'Marilyn Munster', quickly adding "but everyone else on there is F*cking nuts".

Jon Stewart expanded on his analogy describing MSNBC host Chris Matthews as "The Dragon that lives under the stairs". Describing MSNBC's conservative contributor Pat Buchanan as "Grandpa Munster - in the lab making things you wouldn't want to drink".

Jon notably didn't mention MSNBC's biggest name, Keith Olbermann, but one could infer who Jon regarded as his analog with the line "I'm not going to tell you who Herman Munster is". Incidentally the "Keith Olbermann as Herman Munster" meme has long been popular amongst Olbermann's internet detractors.

January 7, 2009: Rachel Maddow on Jon Stewart

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Rachel Maddow

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

In response to Jon Stewart's light ribbing of MSNBC, Rachel offered only this sheepish defense "I'm new there, so it's awkward [for me to]..."

For Aussie readers, watch the dig late in the clip. Come on, was that really necessary?

How Obama got Elected: John Ziegler vs. David Schuster

'Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin Was Smeared' - Conservative pundit John Ziegler's new documentary has created quite a buzz in recent days. Notably appearing in a segment for popular Celebrity news show 'Entertainment Tonight'. As the title suggests, the documentary examines how the Media favoured the liberal Obama and disadvantaged the conservative Sarah Palin in the 2008 Presidential coverage.

John Ziegler appeared with MSNBC's David Shuster promoting the upcoming documentary and answering charges from the Palin camp

Palin has had enough, blasts media for reporting 'non-issues'
Governor Sarah Palin today expressed dismay at continuing efforts in the media to take her comments out of context to create adversarial situations.

Ironically, the latest media eruption concerning the governor came out of an interview she gave to a filmmaker who is creating a documentary on distortions by the national press...

David Shuster and John Ziegler on the Palin interview

In a continuing trend, the fiery John Ziegler was again frustrated by pointy questioning. The interview degenerating into a shouting match. Mirroring a similar heated exchange between John Ziegler and statistician Nate Silver.

Barack Obama's Economic team, The President's lunch and the Main Event Mafia

Dream Teams: Obama's Economic Team, TNA Wrestling's Main Event Mafia, America's 5 living Presidents

In the transition period between winning the election in November to officially assuming the Presidency in January, President elect Obama has positioned himself in several star powered photo-ops. In his first press conference he was flanked by a bevy of political heavyweights, with then unspecified roles for the new Administration.
Jim Lehrer touched on this with Shields and Brooks (Nov 7, 2008):

Problems for Republicans
...JIM LEHRER: Right. And Robert Rubin in the background, Larry Summers in the background, Laura Tyson in the background.

MARK SHIELDS: Now, tell me, did you think it was necessary to have all of them out there?

DAVID BROOKS: Well, I've talked about this line-up before. I always like the line-up.

MARK SHIELDS: You like the character witness...

DAVID BROOKS: ... I think it helps, I mean, because those are impressive people. And Obama is still a young man...
And a lot of people who pay attention to economic policy know everybody in that line-up. And I just think it's reassuring to see them.

Barack has continued this trend of appearing alongside formidable casts, in announcing his Economic team and Foreign Policy team headlined by once-rival Hillary Clinton. His latest outing, a lunch meeting with the most exclusive of clubs - American Presidents. Future, present and former Presidents were brought together by George W Bush for a lunch date in the White House creating an assuring image of solidarity and bi-partisanship.

This assemblage of stars, some dubbing the "Dream Team" is an exercise in projecting strength. To assure that the challenges of a global financial crisis and ongoing foreign concerns will be ably handled by a new administration and a young president.

The sight of seeing an all star cast evokes a sense of command and unity of purpose. It demonstrates Obama's confidence in his ability to lead. Due to the gravity of the challenge, it's a Dream Team born of necessity rather than ego.

But a Dream Team is no panacea. Obama being a basketball fan will no doubt be aware that Dream Teams might look good on paper but it's a different matter once you step on the court.

Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly and Matt Lauer of the 'Today Show'

VIDEO: Ann Coulter on the 'Today Show'

Ann Coulter has a new book out - Guilty: Liberal "Victims" and Their Assault on America. In case you're wondering she is wearing her patented black dress for the cover once again.

As with every Ann Coulter book tour, controversy is following her. Though most might argue that the controversy has been brilliantly orchestrated to follow her. On this occasion the controversy was not created by specific outrageous passages in her new book but an apparent lifetime snubbing from NBC as reported by the Drudge Report.

I've gone in detail how Ann Coulter, is the top villain in punditry. Just like a classic wrestling heel, she loves being hated and knows how to push the right buttons.

Bill O'Reilly is arguably one of the few people higher than Ann in the profile and ego totem pole. It made for an interesting dynamic when Ann made an appearance on the 'O'Reilly Factor'.

Bill the "proud independent" played a mild scold to Ann. Bill has offered advice to Ann in the past, suggesting she should not be so intentionally provocative if she wants to be taken seriously. A ploy that serves his interests as it throws critics who consider Bill a provocateur off the scent.

Bill butters Ann up a with compliment quickly followed by some advice:

The best part of the book is the Palin analysis when the press went after her... this is good information I can use but then you had a part in the book [where you defame a celebrity]... do you need that or can you just do it with the other stuff that really snaps

In a later exchange, Bill attempts to offer advice by using popular conservative author Bernie Goldberg as a surrogate. Ann cleverly retorts "my general policy is to take advice from people who sell more books than me not fewer books...". Bill O'Reilly, not one to miss an opportunity to big note himself replies with "You would take advice from me then?". Simply brilliant.

It is engrossing video. First seeing a "red faced" Matt Lauer awkwardly challenge an emboldened Ann Coulter. Then seeing 'super ego' Bill O'Reilly condescend to the suddenly defensive but nonetheless proud Ann Coulter.

Update: So who has sold more books?
First I have no insider knowledge on publishing. Political books are known to be bought in bulk and given out freely or cheaply through certain websites, programs and institutions. Conservatives are particularly renowned for this. In an episode of the now defunct Sam Seder show, I recall a listener calling in describing how he was pulping pallets of conservative books. I don't know how this affects or distorts the numbers but it would be fair to say the line isn't clear. Sam Seder broached this subject briefly in my interview with him.

There are sites like RankForest that can track book sales through Amazon. Rampant TechPress gives a quick overview on the complications of tracking "real" book sales. There are very few ways for authors and publishers to track "real" sales of books.

Tracking your actual book sales
There is the super-expensive A. C. Neilsen "Bookscan" reports that show actual sales but only the very largest companies can afford this expensive service. We also cannot estimate the "real" sales of a book from the qualities that are shipped to the stores. Remember, all "sales to stores" are made with full rights of return, and they could all come-back.

Another measure might be tracking #1s on the New York Times Best seller lists. I've listed Ann Coulter and Bill O'Reilly's Number one showings, with Bernie Goldberg thrown in for good measure.

New York Times Best Seller No.1 Listings - Non Fiction
Ann Coulter
Slander (Crown) - July 14, 2002
Godless (Crown Forum) - June 25, 2006

Bill O'Reilly
The O'Reilly Factor (Broadway) - Nov 12, 2000
The No Spin Zone (Broadway) - Nov 11, 2001
Who's Looking Out For You? (Broadway) - Oct 12, 2003
Culture Warrior (Broadway) - Oct 15, 2006

Bernard Goldberg
Bias (Regnery) - Jan 20, 2002

So who has sold more books? I can't say for sure. But logic would point to Bill O'Reilly. Ann and Bill have been equally successful in recent years but on the whole Bill would have the aggregate lead if you accept the simple premise that O'Reilly (8) has published more books than Coulter (7).

Update: The Daily Show's Moment of Zen (Jan 8) - Coulter Sells More Books

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Moment of Zen - Coulter Sells More Books

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Joe Scarborough, Mika and Zbigniew Brzezinski: Stunningly superficial

An interesting exchange took place between APF pundit Joe Scarborough and guest Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor during the Carter administration. During their discussion of the latest fighting in Gaza, Zbigniew startlingly insulted Scarborough on his own turf 'Morning Joe':

JOE SCARBOROUGH: You can't blame what is happening in Israel right now on the Bush administration.
ZBIGNIEW BRZEZINSKI: Yes you can.
SCARBOROUGH: You can't. Let's go back to 2000, Dr. Brzezinski. Bill Clinton gave Arafat and the Palestinians everything they could have wanted.
BRZEZINSKI: You know, you have such a stunningly superficial knowledge of what went on that it's almost embarrassing to listen to you.
SCARBOROUGH: Oh, is it?

It isn't the first time a pundit has been punked on his own show but this dynamic had a unique layer of awkwardness as Joe Scarborough's co-host is actually the guest's daughter, Mika Brzezinski.

APF pundits Marc Maron and Sam Seder discussed this compelling exchange on their Online show 'Break Room Live'. What's most interesting about the deconstruction of the Scarborough/Brzezinski dust up is that Maron was unaware of the family tie, the revelation dawning midway through the discussion.

Most found the Scarborough exchange appealing because it showed a pundit vulnerable. Pundits take pride in their certitude and command of their domain, seeing one getting toppled then haplessly trying to restore their upper hand is entertaining viewing. The self deprecating Marc Maron mocks his co host by insinuating Sam Seder has the same unshakable pundit pride:

MARC MARON: ...he's (Joe) just a bloviating douchebag radio talk show host and the arrogance he approaches this statesman with is despicable. What was most satisfying for me is that even though he wouldn't surrender, it's so hard for some people SAM (mocking emphasis) to just say "I don't know" SAM. It's so hard...

Listen to Maron and Seder on Scarborough and Brzezinski
Listen to the full Dec 31st 'Break Room Live' episode

Mick Foley - Politics is just like wrestling

Whilst I contend that this is the premier blog on the analogy that Politics is not unlike pro-wrestling. I also readily admit that the analogy predates my blog. It would not surprise me if the first persons to draw the comparisons were the wrestlers themselves.

I've previously linked to a 2004 column where Pro-wrestler Cyrus' drew wrestling comparisons to that year's Presidential campaign. Future Wrestling Hall-of-Famer Mick Foley, known for his passion for politics, also drew similar wrestling comparisons from the 2004 campaign season.

Mick Foley explained the analogy when he appeared on 'Morning Sedition' hosted by APF pundit Marc Maron with Mark Riley. Below are some notable exchanges from the show:

Recap Of Mick Foley’s Interview
- [Mick] went to Vince McMahon with the idea [of a smear campaign storyline created with Randy Orton] because he saw politics stealing ideas from wrestling. "Crossfire on CNN is essential wrestling interviews with political overtones."
- "four years ago they introduced a big screen at the Democratic National Convention which was basically the Titantron"
- when President Clinton appeared, they had the low-angle appearance shot, and we were like, "That’s our appearance shot from Smackdown!" So I figured if they were borrowing from us we would borrow from them...

Mick Foley goes on to argue (facetiously?) that outgoing President, George W Bush may have been inspired by Wrestling Superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin

Mick Foley says wrestling is somehow to blame for "this current mess". "I believe honestly, and I’ve told Stone Cold this, somewhere around 1998 then-Governor George Bush was watching Raw, and let’s face it, you know he watches the show. He took a look at Stone Cold Steve Austin and said, "That’s who I’m going to be." Because that’s when the swagger came around and it’s my feeling that if Vince hadn’t copyrighted Texas Rattlesnake, Bush would be calling himself that now.

It is a very entertaining interview and exhaustively recapped by 'Brendan McDonald'. Who unless I'm mistaken, is the same Brendan McDonald with the distinction of having worked with 3 of the APF pundits. As the current producer for Marc Maron and Sam Seder's online program and former producer for Pete Dominick's show.

A tribute to Alan Colmes by The Daily Show and The Colbert Report

As reported last November, Alan Colmes the long time liberal counterpart to the Alpha Conservative Sean Hannity would be leaving their top rating Fox News show.

Jon Stewart of the Daily Show paid a mocking tribute to Alan's 12 year tenure as the "hapless" liberal foil.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Hall & Oates Pay Tribute to Alan Colmes

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Read the full lyrics to the Hall and Oates song at The Huffington Post

Anytime you need a token liberal
Nothin' but a body to fill a chair
The barest shadow of a person
Alan Colmes is always there...

Sean Hannity responded to the comdedic tribute of his long time partner in an interview for Broadcasting and Cable:

Sean Hannity Talks Life Without Colmes
Jon Stewart addressed Colmes’ departure on The Daily Show Thursday night recruiting washed-up 80s pop duo Darryl Hall and John Oates to offer a farewell ditty to the departing Colmes...

Said Hannity: "I was actually thinking of Jon [Stewart] as a co-host but I needed someone who could be smart and funny without 50 writers and two has-been rockers who are badly in need of Botox."

Alan Colmes showed he could laugh off the ribbing that he was a "token liberal (punching bag)" by appearing on the Daily Show's spinoff, The Colbert Report. Effectively reprising his role as the beta Anchor.

Colbert and Colmes

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Colbert and Colmes - Colmes Gets Fired

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

In another Colmes and Colbert segment, watch Stephen (a former Presidential contender) take on "comedians running for office" in reference to new Minnesota Senator Al Franken. Watch Colbert and Colmes on Ronald Burris appointment